The race card is only an issue for the media

Tis the season to write about politics. Today, I'm going to focus once again on how the media exploit stories to death versus just reporting the damn news and moving on. The net result clearly influences and creates biased, often damaging public opinions.

The story of Obama's racist pastor just won’t die. Every single headline focuses on that nasty three word phrase "the race card." Even though this democratic candidate has denounced him and parted ways, the media have to keep this story line alive. The problem is that most people really don’t care (or didn’t before this). And, based on the primary results, most people truly don’t have the inclination to let his race impact their vote. So, I guess it's up to the fear mongering media to bring out all the ugly racist doubts and stereotypes for the American people to dwell on.

This action isn't limited to Obama. I usually bash Hillary. But, not today. Our fanatical press corps would not let the Geraldine Ferraro story die either. Once again, Hill immediately distanced herself from those nuclear comments right away. But, that didn’t really matter once the press sank their teeth into the sound byte to create a titanic size controversy. The media have packaged these two comments together forcing the race card to be front and center on the most sought after issues list.

Although this contest is heated and ugly at times, race has never really been an issue. Unfortunately, that wasn't good enough for our press corps. They just couldn't wait until one comment, or provocation was made on this topic. Then, like the worst type of instigators, they milked it and continue to spread this story to anyone who will listen.

The media aren't racist (at least most aren’t). Yet, in many ways, they are worse. All they care about is controversy and building more sensational stories with no regard for what the public is really thinking or hoping for. Like me, many we're excited about the promise for a new day, where the words black and white means a whole lot less than character, intelligence and judgment.

Of course we understand that the media need to fill eight more months of air time and print space with content that will keep us coming back. It's just too bad that they will never let us go above and beyond the one issue that has hung heavy over this nation’s head since inception. Because, I think we're ready.

Comments

[Trish]

I totally agree. Today on ChicagoTribune.com the main headline said something along the lines of Hilary losing trust among black voters. Umm, well maybe now that you call attention to it they will! I hate the media feels the need to tell us how we feel and think. Also, just the fact they never covered Ron Paul's candidacy but when Nader jumped in they were all over that. I don't understand how they give such unequal coverage. Very frustrating.